Converting a data stream format in an apparatus for and method of reading targets by image capture
First Claim
1. An apparatus for reading a target by image capture, comprising:
- a housing;
a window supported by the housing;
a solid-state monochrome imager supported by the housing and having an array of light sensors looking at a field of view that extends through the window to the target, and operative for capturing return light from the target to be read, and for generating an output data stream in a monochrome format having a plurality of slots containing pixel data indicative of an image of the target;
a controller for controlling the monochrome imager and having a color video input for receiving the output data stream in a color format different from the monochrome format; and
a converter circuit for formatting the output data stream to have additional slots to convert the monochrome format into the color format, for receiving auxiliary pixel data related to the image of the target, for inserting the auxiliary pixel data into the additional slots, and for processing both the pixel data and the auxiliary pixel data to enhance the reading of the target.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method read a target by capturing return light from the target with a solid-state monochrome imager operative for generating an output data stream in a monochrome format having a plurality of slots containing pixel data indicative of an image of the target, and with a color controller for receiving the output data stream in a color format different from the monochrome format. A converter circuit converts the monochrome format into the color format and includes an input formatter for formatting the output data stream to have additional slots, a buffer for receiving auxiliary pixel data related to the image of the target, and an output formatter for inserting the auxiliary pixel data from the buffer into the additional slots and for processing both the pixel data and the auxiliary pixel data to enhance the reading of the target.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for reading a target by image capture, comprising:
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a housing; a window supported by the housing; a solid-state monochrome imager supported by the housing and having an array of light sensors looking at a field of view that extends through the window to the target, and operative for capturing return light from the target to be read, and for generating an output data stream in a monochrome format having a plurality of slots containing pixel data indicative of an image of the target; a controller for controlling the monochrome imager and having a color video input for receiving the output data stream in a color format different from the monochrome format; and a converter circuit for formatting the output data stream to have additional slots to convert the monochrome format into the color format, for receiving auxiliary pixel data related to the image of the target, for inserting the auxiliary pixel data into the additional slots, and for processing both the pixel data and the auxiliary pixel data to enhance the reading of the target. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A scan engine, comprising:
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a solid-state monochrome imager operative for capturing return light from a target, and for generating an output data stream in a monochrome format having a plurality of slots containing pixel data indicative of an image of the target; and a converter circuit for converting the monochrome format of the output data stream into a color format different from the monochrome format, the converter circuit including an input formatter for formatting the output data stream to have additional slots, a buffer for receiving auxiliary pixel data related to the image of the target, and an output formatter for inserting the auxiliary pixel data from the buffer into the additional slots and for processing both the pixel data and the auxiliary pixel data. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of reading a target by image capture, comprising:
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capturing return light from the target to be read with an array of light sensors of a solid-state monochrome imager having a field of view that extends to the target, and generating an output data stream in a monochrome format having a plurality of slots containing pixel data indicative of an image of the target; formatting the output data stream to have additional slots to convert the monochrome format into a color format different from the monochrome format; receiving auxiliary pixel data related to the image of the target; inserting the auxiliary pixel data into the additional slots; and processing both the pixel data and the auxiliary pixel data to generate the output data stream in the color format. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification